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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Roof rack to carry 4x4 frames

M

Matt W.

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Hi all, question from a new freelancer:

I need a way to carry 4x4 frames in a regular (non-hatchback) car.

My grip gear is meager. I'm getting a few c-stands, combo stands, beefy babies, apple boxes, etc. But I need 4x4 frames (any recommendations for what you'd bring? I'm thinking one empty (for gels), one opal, one quarter grid, one half grid), 4x4 flops, flags, nets, etc., and some bead board of course.

Now, I can't fit this in a '99 Camry. I fit a piece of 4x4 bead board once and it cracked in two.

I've seen things like this online

http://www.discountramps.com/roof-luggage-rack.htm

but it needs to be 5'' wider.

What do people do to carry grip gear in a regular car? The rest of my kit just barely fits as is. Could I buy one of these and pay a friend to weld in wider bars? Also, anywhere to buy affordable cases to carry lights around? Need a case for my 1.2k hmi, a few fresnels, etc.

Thanks!
 
Sometimes you just run out of room. Can't fit the world in a Camry. Might be time to look for alternative forms of transportation.
 
Unfortunately, I don't have the money for a new car. I really want some 4x4 frames to put together a decent kit, though.

I'm seeing stuff like this that, in theory, has the capacity for what I need (at minimum two frames of diff, two 4x4 floppies, one piece of bead board, ideally more), but I'm not sure it would fit on a mid size car (with a ski rack already installed):

http://www.amazon.com/Surco-S5050-Safari-Basket-Select/dp/B000CCFFSI

It might look crazy, but would it be street legal?

Of course for bigger jobs I'd want a real truck or at least a U-Haul, but for the guerrilla style stuff I'm doing now to build a reel it's rarely in the budget.
 
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I use to put 6 4' sections of double wall track (in yakima case) and a equipment cart on my 4Runner. That's so I could fill the inside with the rest of my gear (dolly, lights, camera).

Make sure you invest in some ratchet straps to tie everything down. 4x4, beadboard and floppys will be a huge sail (even laid horizontally) on your car. I'm sure you've seen heavy mattresses lift up on cars on the highway. The gear you listed will take off if not probably tied down, even with a wind guard.
 
I think I understand what Matt is asking for. I too have owned many cars that wouldn't fit a 4x4 floppy and yet I did not want to compromise. I have made roof racks specifically designed to carry 4x4 floppys and C-stands. Why C-stands? They simply took up too much interior space and would always get caught on things with all the knobs and stuff sticking out. Matt, contact me at jason@CinemaOxide.com and I'll make you a waterproof 4x4 roofrack
 
Roof racks are a viable option. I had them on my Range Rover which was my go anywhere shoot vehicle. I could also mount a platform on them to use as a shooting deck. Another option is a small enclosed travel trailer. I have to say I don't miss trying to stuff my gear into a car, as it gets old trying to fit enough for a shoot. Hell at one point we even used one of my Ferrari's to haul gear. Yes you get to the shoot quickly but forget about carrying C-stands. A couple of years back I bought a used Sprinter van to haul my gear in, what a God send having something that holds everything.

Good Luck!

Dave
 
Have you considered a trailer?

Something like this would be a great start:

http://ecustomhitch.com/i-7793157-2000-lb-gvwr-4-ft-wide-enclosed-trailers.html

Obviously you could rent one from U-Haul or whatever.

I do have to note that a '99 Camry has a tow capacity of just 1000lbs. That limits you to the smallest trailers. The small trailers weigh about 500lbs, so you are limited to 500lbs of gear, even though the trailer itself can handle 1000lbs. That might be a great place to start though ...

If you can trade cars, you can get a much better trailer. A '99 Jeep Grand Cherokee is just about an even trade, and has a lot more tow/cargo capacity. (Plus they often have a trailer hitch!) A Jeep Cherokee would probably leave you with some cash in hand. You might be able to get a 3000lb trailer, and load it up. (Those carry up to 2100lbs of stuff.)

You can get lots of SUV's and trucks that can tow a lot more than 3000lbs ... I'd call it safety margin. In my opinion, once you get past the size of the modest trailers it makes sense to have a truck with a lift gate big enough for at least an 11 or Pee-Wee.
 
A trailer is awesome and I agree with Alexander. Aside from having your gear all neatly packed up, Being on the ground level with all your gear saves your knees and back.

The only problem with them is if you do alot of work in cities like NYC, Philadelphia, or any other tight spots its difficult to maneuver them or find a parking spot. And forget about parallel parking one of those bitches. Last time I tried that I felt like I was back in high school failing a math test.
 
Jason Comparetto said:
The only problem with them is if you do alot of work in cities like NYC, Philadelphia, or any other tight spots its difficult to maneuver them. And forget about parallel parking one of those bitches. Last time I tried that I felt like I was back in high school failing a math test.
Click to expand...

This is why the gods saddled us with the Teamsters, and why we grin and bear it.

Seriously. You pay them to sit around all day doing nothing but eat your crafty and flirt with make up. Assuming they even make it out of the truck.

Then they land a genny in some impossible spot, saving your day.
 
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